Grilled Black Beans with Charred Carrots and Lime Cilantro Dressing
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it comes together in less than an hour and feels way more impressive than it actually is. I love grilling the black beans until they get crispy on the outside while staying creamy inside, then piling them with charred carrots for this beautiful smoky sweetness. Black beans are packed with fiber and protein, so they keep you satisfied long after dinner, and the lime cilantro dressing just brightens everything up. The best part? Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you're not spending a fortune or hunting down anything exotic. It's truly simple, delicious, and feels like a real celebration on a plate.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 2 cansblack beans, canned(drained and rinsed)
- ½ kgcarrots(cut into 1/4-inch thick diagonal slices)
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- 3 clovesgarlic, minced
- 1 teaspooncumin
- 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
- 1lime(zest and juice)
- 237 mlfresh cilantro, chopped
- 237 mlred onion, thinly sliced
- 1jalapeño, minced(optional, seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 teaspoonsalt
- 1 teaspoonblack pepper
- 2 tablespoonslime crema or sour cream(thinned with water)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Tip: If using a grill pan indoors, heat it over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until hot.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the drained black beans with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until the beans are evenly coated with the spices.
Tip: Don't overmix to avoid breaking the beans.
- 3
In a separate bowl, toss the carrot slices with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Tip: Cut carrots to similar thickness for even cooking.
- 4
Place the carrot slices directly on the grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop golden-brown char marks and become tender. Set aside on a serving plate.
Tip: Don't move them around too much to allow proper caramelization.
- 5
Using a grill-safe skillet or grill basket, spread the black bean mixture on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the beans develop a slight char on the edges.
Tip: A grill basket prevents beans from falling through the grates.
- 6
While the beans are cooking, prepare the lime cilantro dressing by whisking together the lime crema, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, and jalapeño in a small bowl.
Tip: Make this dressing while everything is cooking for optimal freshness.
- 7
Transfer the grilled beans to a serving bowl and top with the charred carrots and sliced red onion.
Tip: Keep components slightly separated for visual appeal.
- 8
Drizzle the lime cilantro dressing over the top and serve immediately while still warm.
Tip: Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips on the side for a complete meal.
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